as hungry as a bear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as hungry as a bear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is extremely hungry, often in a humorous or exaggerated way. Example: "After hiking all day, I was as hungry as a bear and couldn't wait to eat dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He is as hungry as ever for success and a very driven man.

BBC

By then we were about as hungry as it is possible to be inside a restaurant.

The New York Times - Food

He's as hungry as he's ever been, but he's a gentleman as well".

BBC

It will take a concerted effort, but we are as hungry as ever.

The Guardian - Sport

A lot of them, I hope, will make you just as hungry as they made me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm as hungry as you are.

The New Yorker

As hungry as the sky above him.

The Guardian

As hungry as she was, she couldn't swallow it.

The New Yorker

But it's made me as hungry as ever.

Independent

Hopefully, today showed I'm as hungry as ever".

Independent

He looks solid and focused and as hungry as ever.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as hungry as a bear" to vividly describe someone's extreme hunger, especially when aiming for a slightly humorous or exaggerated effect.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in formal or serious contexts where a literal description is more appropriate. The phrase is figurative and may not be suitable for all situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as hungry as a bear" functions primarily as a simile, which is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "as" or "like". It vividly describes the intensity of hunger by associating it with the presumed large appetite of a bear. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as hungry as a bear" is a grammatically sound and relatively common simile used to express extreme hunger. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its informal tone makes it best suited for casual conversations or creative writing rather than formal settings. For more formal situations, alternatives like "famished" or "extremely hungry" may be more appropriate. Remember to use this colorful phrase to effectively convey a vivid sense of hunger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hungry as a wolf

Replaces "bear" with "wolf", another animal known for its appetite.

extremely hungry

Directly states the condition of being very hungry, lacking the figurative element.

famished

A formal way of expressing extreme hunger.

ravenous

Implies a voracious appetite, similar to being very hungry.

starving

A common synonym for being very hungry.

I could eat a horse

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme hunger.

having a big appetite

Focuses on the desire to eat a lot.

peckish

Indicates a slight hunger, the opposite of extreme hunger.

very peckish

Slight hunger but with intensity.

ready to eat

States a readiness to eat without emphasizing the level of hunger.

FAQs

How can I use "as hungry as a bear" in a sentence?

You can use "as hungry as a bear" to describe someone who is extremely hungry. For example, "After the hike, I was as hungry as a bear and devoured my lunch."

What's a similar expression to "as hungry as a bear"?

Alternatives include "as hungry as a wolf", "famished", or "ravenous", all of which convey a strong sense of hunger.

Is it appropriate to use "as hungry as a bear" in formal writing?

The phrase "as hungry as a bear" is generally informal. While grammatically correct, it's better suited for casual conversation or creative writing than formal academic or business contexts.

Are there any negative connotations to using the phrase "as hungry as a bear"?

No, there are generally no negative connotations. It's a common simile that simply emphasizes the intensity of hunger, often with a touch of humor.